California Black Media

California Black Media Political Round-Up

The California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute (CABWCEI) is launching a statewide effort called “Conversations for Black Women — Building an Economic Action Plan Tour” in collaboration with the Bank of Montreal (BMO) lasting from the end of July until mid-November.

Published

3 years ago

July 19, 2023

Oakland Post

State Senate candidate Sandré Swanson and California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

By Joe W. Bowers Jr.,
Edward Henderson
California Black Media

Black Women’s Group Tour on Economic Empowerment to Make Stop in Oakland

CABWCEI is a coalition of Black women whose goal is to amplify the voices of Black women everywhere and leverage their political power and in turn alleviate the political, economic, and safety challenges that they face.

The objective of the tour, organizers say, is to develop an economic action plan that helps Black women build wealth and overcome barriers through transformative policies and practices.

CABWCEI does this by ensuring that Black women are represented at every level of leadership particularly in the public sector, and by identifying, recruiting, and creating accessible resources.

This year’s tour will stop in six parts of the state, San Diego (July 29), Solano (Aug. 26), Sacramento (Sept. 23), Oakland (Oct. 14), Fresno (Oct.21), and the Inland Empire (Nov. 18) and offer a variety of opportunities, including mentorship programs, homeownership counseling, apprenticeships, job coaching, financial planning, and entrepreneurship support.

Tour partners include California Black Media and Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA).

“BWOPA is delighted to partner in this much-needed enterprise,” said founding member Gay Plair Cobb. “Wealth building through entrepreneurship and related activities is essential to the economic advancement of Black women and to overcoming historic disadvantages we’ve faced as a result of systemic racism. We look forward to a much brighter economic future thanks to events such as these.”

Brenda Hudson, finance manager at the Oakland Post, thinks that tour will help Black women in Oakland.

“We have to develop a support system and have less competitiveness, so that we can build up generational wealth.” She also spoke about her own personal experience, explaining that her daughter lived with her for years, saving money, and now owns a four-bedroom house.

“That kind of community support is what is needed in order to rise up together. CABWCEI is trying to do that and more with their upcoming tour,” Hudson said.

Cathy Adams, president of the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce, said that this tour and its objectives are much needed in the Black community and especially for Black women.

Investors and finance managers reach out to her frequently to talk about trust issues Black people have in seeking or receiving advice about money.

“This is a great opportunity for our women to learn how to maximum our return on our investment,” she said, especially as so many people are dealing with financial fallout from the pandemic.

The strategies that could be learned on the tour “can change the narrative … change the landscape on how we deal with money as a rule … so that all of us can be on top of the money train,” Adams said.

It’s a great time to get support without being what she termed “money-shamed” for not adequately investing or preparing for retirement or failing to read fine print.

“You can show up and invest — in yourself or with each other,” she said, “working with people you trust.”

— Post Staffer Daisha Williams contributed to this story.

Gov. Newsom Updates State’s Opioid Plan to Include New Deadly Drug “Tranq”

Gov. Gavin Newsom has updated his strategy to combat opioid abuse in California by introducing measures to address a new deadly drug xylazine, also known as ‘tranq’ on the streets.

This animal sedative is increasingly being mixed with fentanyl, making it even more deadly. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of fatal opioid overdoses involving ‘tranq’ increased by 276%, from 2.9% to 10.9% between January 2019 through June 2022.

Newsom’s ‘Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis’ focuses on holding the opioid pharmaceutical industry accountable, cracking down on drug trafficking and raising awareness about the dangers of opioids. The plan includes addressing emerging threats like ‘tranq.’

“California has an all-hands-on-deck strategy for tackling the fentanyl and opioid crisis impacting every community across our state,” said Newsom in a statement. “Education and outreach are critical tools in our arsenal to prevent tragedy, to connect people with treatment, and to fight the life-threatening stigma that stops too many people from getting help.”

California has allocated $30 million to fund the production of naloxone, the anti-overdose drug. Newsom has also increased anti-drug-trafficking operations, especially at the San Ysidro border crossing in San Diego, where a significant amount of fentanyl enters into the state.

AG Bonta Releases Reports on Crime, Juvenile Justice, Guns, Homicides and Use of Force

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the release of the annual Homicide in California, Crime in California, Use of Force Incident Reporting, Juvenile Justice in California, and Crime Guns in California statistical reports.

The reports contain statistics for 2022 as submitted by California law enforcement agencies and other criminal justice organizations.

Findings indicated 612 civilians were involved in incidents that involved the discharge of a firearm or use of force resulting in serious bodily injury or death.

Of those civilians: 48.4% were Hispanic. 25.3% were White, and a disproportionate 19.3% were Black. Black Californians account for about 5.72% of the state’s population.

In 2022, there were 2,206 homicides reported in the state, a decrease of 6.6% from 2361 reported in 2021. The rate of violent crime per 100,000 people increased by 6.1% from 466.2 in 2021 to 494.6 in 2022. The homicide arrest rate decreased by 5.9% in 2022 compared to 2021 and the violent offense arrest rate increased by 3.4% compared to 2021.

“Having access to good data is a cornerstone of responsible public policy. The data released today is essential for understanding, preventing, and combating crime,” said Bonta. “In 2022, California made significant progress toward reducing its homicide rates, but more remains to be done.

“While crime rates remain significantly below their historical highs, property and violent crimes continue to have devastating consequences for communities across the state.”

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The Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Hold Day of Advocacy at the Capitol in Sacramento

A member of the “Divine Nine,” Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was founded on Jan. 13, 1913, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The organization was established by 22 women who sought to shift the group’s focus from social activities to public service, academic excellence, and social activism.

Published

1 week ago

May 17, 2026

Oakland Post

Sen. Laura Richardson (D-San Pedro) presents a Senate resolution to the Delta Theta Sigma Sorority Farwest Region at the State Capitol on May 4. Photo courtesy of the Senate Rules Committee.

By Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media

On May 4, members of the Farwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., convened at the California State Capitol for the organization’s 23rd annual Delta Days in Sacramento.

The two-day advocacy event brings together chapters from across California to engage directly in the legislative process, connect with lawmakers, and advocate for policies impacting Black communities.

Members of the sorority were honored on the Senate floor by Sen. Laura Richardson (D-San Pedro), who is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta.

Richardson welcomed the Farwest Region during the presentation of a Senate resolution recognizing outgoing Regional Director Kimberly Usher for her leadership and service.

“In addition to the Far West Region, we are led by a fearless leader, regional director Kimberly Usher. She has now served her full term of what’s allowed,” Richardson said. “We are going to be having our regional conference, but we wanted to give it to her here, officially recognizing her service.”

The resolution was co-authored by Richardson and fellow members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and Delta Sigma Theta, Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) and Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton).

Usher has served in the leadership role since 2022.

“We are founded on sisterhood that is deeply rooted in scholarship, service, and social action,” said Weber Pierson, a member of the Gamma Alpha chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

“Today, we continue a legacy of empowering communities and upholding the high cultural, intellectual, and moral standards established by our founders over a century ago,” she added.

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Rep. Kamlager-Dove Introduces Bill to Protect Women in Custody After Reports Detailing Miscarriages and Neglect

The Pregnant Women in Custody Act would expand safeguards beyond the federal prison system to include women detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The proposal follows reports of pregnant women being shackled, denied medical care and suffering miscarriages while in immigration detention.

Published

1 week ago

May 17, 2026

Oakland Post

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37) on May 7, reintroduced updated legislation aimed at strengthening protections and healthcare standards for pregnant and postpartum women held in federal custody, including in immigration detention facilities.

The Pregnant Women in Custody Act would expand safeguards beyond the federal prison system to include women detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The proposal follows reports of pregnant women being shackled, denied medical care and suffering miscarriages while in immigration detention.

The legislation builds on a bipartisan version previously passed by the House during the 117th Congress. The updated bill includes new standards for healthcare access, mental health and substance use treatment, high-risk pregnancy care, family unity protections and increased federal oversight.

“Proper pregnancy care is a human right, regardless of your immigration or incarceration status,” Kamlager-Dove said in a statement. “It’s unacceptable that there are virtually no legal safeguards for pregnant women in federal custody.”

The bill would also limit the use of restraints and restrictive housing for pregnant women, improve data collection on maternal health in custody and require additional staff training and enforcement measures.

Supporters of the measure said the legislation is intended to address long-standing concerns about maternal healthcare and safety in detention settings, particularly for Black women and low-income women who are disproportionately impacted by incarceration and health disparities.

“Pregnant women in custody should never be subjected to dangerous and inhumane treatment that threatens their health, dignity, or the well-being of their babies,” said Patrice Willoughby, chief of policy and legislative affairs for the NAACP and a longtime public policy and government affairs strategist, in a statement.

A 2021 report estimated there are about 58,000 admissions of pregnant women into U.S. jails and prisons each year. Kamlager’s statement also cited a recent investigation by NBC News and Bloomberg Law that identified allegations of severe mistreatment or medical neglect involving at least 54 pregnant women or families in county jails between 2017 and 2024.

Federal policy under the Department of Homeland Security restricts the detention of pregnant, postpartum and nursing immigrants except in extreme cases. However, the agency reported that ICE deported 363 pregnant, postpartum or nursing women between January 2025 and February 2026, including 16 recorded miscarriages during that period.

The bill is cosponsored by several House Democrats and backed by organizations including the NAACP and the Vera Institute of Justice.

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Q&A with Steven Bradford: Why He Wants Your Vote for California Insurance Commissioner

Known for his work on issues ranging from energy and public safety to economic development, Bradford has also engaged with insurance policy during his time in the Legislature, serving on the Senate Insurance Committee.

Published

1 week ago

May 17, 2026

Oakland Post

Hon. Steve Bradford, candidate for California Insurance Commissioner.

By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

As California confronts rising insurance costs, market instability, and growing concerns about access and equity, the race for the state’s top insurance regulator is drawing increased attention.

Among the candidates is Steven Bradford, a veteran public servant with more than two decades of experience in government, including eight years in the State Senate and five years in the State Assembly.

Now, he is making his case to voters for why his background and perspective best position him for the role of California’s next insurance commissioner.

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Bradford about his campaign experiences, key issues he plans to solve if elected, and his vision for the insurance commissioner role.

For readers who may not be familiar, what does the Insurance Commissioner do, and how would you use that role to address issues impacting communities in California?

The Insurance Commissioner is both a regulator and an administrator. The office oversees the entire insurance market—approving companies to operate, licensing agents and brokers, and reviewing rate increases or decreases.

This role is about oversight and action. The commissioner should be a watchdog, not a bystander, especially in a state like California, which has the third-largest insurance market in the world.

Last year, you shifted your campaign from running for lieutenant governor to the race for insurance commissioner. What spurred that decision?

Insurance impacts every part of people’s lives. You can’t buy a home without it—that contributes to the housing crisis. You can’t legally drive without it—that affects people’s ability to work. And businesses can’t operate without it.

For years, insurance has disproportionately impacted low-income communities and people of color. While everyone is feeling the strain now, those communities have long been hit hardest. That’s why it’s critical that insurance is not just available, but affordable.

What sets you apart from the other candidates in this race?

My record: 26 years of public service. I’ve shown up, stood up, and spoke up for Californians.

A recent Supreme Court decision impacting the Voting Rights Act has raised concerns about representation. What message do you have for voters in California regarding the importance of their vote?

It’s alarming. If people think this doesn’t affect them, they’re mistaken. There’s a real effort to roll back decades of progress and silence voters.

Your vote is your most powerful tool, and we have to use it—every election.

What are you hearing from voters as you campaign across the state?

Affordability and transparency.

People are struggling with rising costs, and many don’t fully understand what their insurance policies cover.

We saw that clearly in places like Altadena and the Palisades—people had insurance but were underinsured. They didn’t realize their coverage wouldn’t meet the cost to rebuild. That’s unacceptable.

We must acknowledge the inequities in the system. The FAIR Plan has roots in discrimination, and today we still see disparities based on ZIP code and income. We need a more competitive and equitable market where consumers have choices.